Polyps of the Stomach and Polypoid Gastritis

Gastric polyps.A histogenetic classification and its relation to carcinoma

“…Further evidence for the non-neoplastic nature of these regenerative polyps may be found in their resemblance to the changes observed in hypertrophic gastritis or polypoid hyperplasia; these include cystic dilatation of glands, inflammatory reaction and overgrowth of glands into the muscularis mucosa.8, 24 I n contrast, a smaller group of polyps consist of atypical or neoplastic epithelium which, like carcinomas,ls seem to derive from the foveolar cells. T h e bodies of the glands either disappear completely or are composed of pyloric glands, similar to those seen in the adjacent mucosa.…”

“…Although most investigators favor the theory that gastric polyps may undergo carcinomatous degeneration,ls 3,93129 21,249 25 others have found no convincing evidence. 5,15,17, 2O In either case, however, these polyps invariably have been termed adenomatous, implying neoplasm in spite of the fact that normal or slightly hyperplastic glands usually are present.4, 6, 16% 20, 24 Also, no effort has been made to separate these glandular polyps from those composed of more primitive epithelial cells in the evaluation of their respective malignant potentials. Since these 2 groups are probably of separate histogenetic origin and show distinct behavorial differences, it has seemed worthwhile to reexamine their characteristics and management.…”